Choosing an Electric Wheelchair

Electric wheelchairs are a great way to help people who have mobility issues move around more easily. They can be used indoors and outdoors, and they’re often more stable than manual wheelchairs.

Buying an electric wheelchair can be expensive, but there are ways to make it cheaper. For example, Medicare and Medicaid cover the cost of power wheelchairs if a doctor orders one. Other resources, such as Veterans Assistance and non-Medicaid financial assistance programs, can also help you pay for an electric wheelchair.

Choosing the Right Model

Choosing the right model of electric wheelchair is important to ensure that you get a comfortable, safe and reliable chair that meets your specific needs. The right choice of wheelchair can help further your independence and improve your quality of life.

As you might expect, there are a lot of options out there when it comes to buying an electric wheelchair. While it can seem overwhelming, identifying the right wheelchair that will meet your needs is easy when you know what to look for.

One of the first questions to ask yourself is where you plan on using the wheelchair, whether it will be for home use, transport or both. This will determine what type of chair you need and whether a manual or power wheelchair is a better option for you.

Another key factor is the base and drive wheel configuration that you choose. This will depend on how you will use your motorized wheelchair and what medical needs you have.

When selecting a base and drive wheel configuration, it is important to consult with an experienced therapist who can help you understand the benefits electric wheelchair of each type of configuration. Front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel drive are all common wheelchair configurations that offer different advantages.

It is also important to remember that each type of configuration will differ in how it handles acceleration and how stable it is at slow speeds. For example, a rear-wheel drive will be more stable than a mid-wheel or front-wheel drive.

To help you with this decision, we’ve created a guide to help you decide which type of wheelchair is best for you. It includes tips for finding the right model and information about funding, including coverage from Medicare and Medicaid.

Getting Started

When you are getting started with an electric wheelchair, it is important to be knowledgeable about its features and functionality. This will help you select the right model that best fits your needs and budget.

Before you start shopping for an electric wheelchair, you will need to discuss your needs and mobility limitations with your doctor or therapist. Your physician will be able to recommend the perfect model for you.

You will also need to figure out how you will transport your chair. There are a variety of options available to make this easier, including vehicle lifts, ramps, and hoists.

For example, a vehicle lift will allow you to load your power wheelchair into the car without assistance. It will also save you time, since you can use it to easily unload the device as well.

Another option is to rent a trailer or wheelchair ramp and have it delivered. This can be a more cost-effective solution if you need the equipment only for a week or so.

Depending on the chair model you choose, you may need to purchase additional accessories like batteries, a charger, and a battery pack. These are not included with the chair, but can add to its overall value.

It is also important to know that you will need to purchase a power base for your chair. The power base is the part of your chair that contains the motor and batteries.

The power base is often referred to as a battery pack, and it typically uses one or two rechargeable 12-volt batteries to operate the chair. A lightweight folding electric wheelchair may only need one battery, whereas a full-size or heavy-duty chair can require two rechargeable batteries.

Buying a Portable Wheelchair

Buying an electric wheelchair is a significant purchase and you should take your time in researching the different models available to make sure that you get a model that best meets your needs. There are several factors to consider, including seat width, size, weight capacity, and battery life.

You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider to see if your medical condition qualifies you for an electric wheelchair. Some insurance companies offer a payment plan that helps offset the cost of the device.

If you are not covered by insurance, it’s still possible to buy a wheelchair, but you may have to pay out of pocket. It’s important to shop around and find a local supplier or retail website that offers wheelchairs at reasonable prices, as well as one that has the right financing options for your needs.

Portable power wheelchairs are lightweight mobility products that fold up or come apart to easily fit into the trunk of a car or the hold of an airplane. They are often fitted with a cushioned seat for comfort and are suitable for indoor use over thin carpet or floorboards, as well as outdoor use on smooth surfaces like pavement.

They usually come with a weight capacity of 250 to 300 pounds, but there are some exceptions. If you’re planning to travel with your electric wheelchair, it’s a good idea to purchase a model that can be transported airline-approved, as this will ensure that your chair is safe and secure while traveling.

Lightweight portable electric wheelchairs are a great way to add to your level of independence. These wheelchairs are easy to move and feature useful driving controls that help you navigate through your day in a safer and more convenient manner.

Checking the Weight Capacity

One of the most important aspects of buying or renting an electric wheelchair is choosing the right model for your needs. For instance, you’ll want to choose a chair that is compatible with your home’s lift system. Additionally, you’ll need to take into account your mobility electric wheelchair goals and the type of terrain you will be traversing with your new powerchair. The best way to determine which model is right for you is to speak with a Silver Cross representative about your needs and see which models we have in stock. It’s also worth mentioning that the majority of our power chairs are made with lightweight aluminum and high-quality components, allowing you to enjoy your wheelchair for years to come. We’ll also be sure to provide you with a detailed product overview and helpful hints so that you can enjoy your ride for as long as possible. We can even assist with the powerchair medical questionnaire to help you select the most suitable electric chair for you and your family.

Buying a Home Wheelchair

Electric wheelchairs are an excellent choice for people who can’t propel a manual wheelchair or mobility scooter themselves. They run on rechargeable batteries, have a smaller turning radius than mobility scooters, and provide better head and neck support.

A power chair can be a great way to increase mobility and independence, but it’s important to choose one that’s right for you or your loved one. You’ll want to consider a few key factors when buying an electric wheelchair, including cost, durability, and features.

You’ll also need to decide if you’ll be able to get your new wheelchair into and out of your home, and if it will fit in your vehicle. The best way to make sure you’re buying a wheelchair that’s easy to transport is to shop around for a few different models and ask your supplier about return policies.

In addition to the seat, you’ll also need to think about how comfortable your electric wheelchair will be. Most chairs are made from nylon or vinyl, and some may require a cushion or custom back support to improve comfort.

If you’re planning to use your power wheelchair in your home, you may want to consider purchasing a model with an elevating seat that allows you to reach items on a work surface or on shelves. It’s also a good idea to have hard flooring in your home, such as ceramic tiles, so you can drive or navigate with ease.

Medicare and Medicaid are the two most common sources of financial assistance for people with disabilities who need a wheelchair, but there are also other resources that can help you purchase an electric wheelchair on a budget. For example, Veterans Administration and state-based non-Medicaid financial assistance programs offer substantial discounts or free wheelchairs to eligible individuals.